The winner of the $100 gift card, Jordan Thompson (right) with Beth Fincher.

By Faith Short

On March 11, the game of Clue came to life during the East Hills Middle School curriculum night. More that 400 students and parents came to participate in the live version of the classic board game.

Once registered, families shopped at the book fair and participated in a themed basket auction sponsored by the EHMS PTO. Hot dog dinners were served as families made their way to the gym for the start of the game.

Tim Golden led the “investigation” as Inspector Grey. The suspects included teachers Connie Williams as Miss Scarlet, Michele Phillips as Mrs. Peacock, Brandie McKusker as Mrs. Green, Stacy Rogers as Mrs. White, Mark Titsworth as Professor Plum and Alvin Elliot as Colonel Mustard. The remaining East Hills staff dressed as police and characters from the time period.

Students, paired with their parents, went room to room to solve benchmark released items. After they solved the problems, they were able to see up to three “clues.” Rooms, decorated according to the game board, contained math, literacy or science test items. At the end of the event, the crime was solved. Sixth grade student Landon Henning was the first student to correctly determine the person, the weapon and the room — making him the winner of the live version game and a Clue board game to take home.

Mrs. Beth Fincher, dressed as Mayor Mayday, then discussed the educational reasoning behind the night — the upcoming benchmark exams. The activity gave parents an opportunity to work with their student on some of the content and problem types typical of the exam. Benchmark exams are scheduled for the week of April 7-11.

To conclude the evening, Mrs. Faith Short, dressed as Detective Black, drew for multiple door prizes. The big prize of the night, a $100 gift card donated by the EHMS Coffee Shop, went to seventh grade student Jordan Thompson.

“East Hills Middle School would like to thank the following partners in education for their donations to this event: Arvest Bank (bottled water), Sam’s Club (chips), Golden Corral (cookies),” Short said. “We also want to thank our fabulous PTO for putting together the basket auction and for their hard work and long hours setting up and working the book fair. A big thank you also goes to Mrs. Niane McMillan for her creativity and leadership in bringing this fun family event to life.”

If there are any questions regarding Benchmark testing or other concerns with your child, please call the school at 479-996-0504.